News

As Shore homes go upscale, so goes oceanside shopping

Not that long ago, shoppers at the Jersey Shore could expect to wade through the shallow end of the retail world.At a typical resort store, customers might find a kitschy collection of cheap T-shirts, saltwater... more »

James J. savors its tasty niche

Three generations of candy making continue at James J. Chocolate Shop on Madison's Near West Side. The store, 3514 Monroe St., offers an assortment of sweet confections that date back to the early days of... more »

Everything Just Ducky at gift shop

When they opened their third Just Ducky store in the area, the Donofrio family brought a local flavor to Promenade Bolingbrook, a new shopping mall otherwise occupied by national retailers.Lori Donofrio and her brother, Darren,... more »

Should gift cards last forever? House says yes

A bill banning the use of expiration dates and service fees on retail gift cards used in Minnesota cleared another big hurdle today, passing the House by a large margin - 95 to 37.The House... more »

Protecting Yourself From Copycats

Q: In 2004, a toy retailer requested a number of samples and specifications from our company for a craft kit we have been producing and selling. After several months of "evaluation," the company said they... more »

Live from the NSS!

New York - The 61st annual National Stationery Show was a flurry of activity on Opening Day, Sunday, May 20, with attendees and exhibitors reporting a renewed energy on the Show floor over previous years.... more »

Feeling the broken bridge blues; Though traffic has improved, local businesses say sales are still lagging

Jane Tarrance sat behind the counter of Collectors Antique Mall on Tuesday perusing "The Pat Conroy Cookbook.""I've done really good catching up on my reading since the (J.E. McTeer) bridge closed," said Tarrance, who owns... more »

Big plans in Prosser for Princess

Prosser -- Sitting in the darkened balcony of Prosser's Princess Theater, Rich and Deb Wallace paused a minute to take it all in -- the nearly 300 emerald green theater chairs below, the trompe l'oeil... more »

Minority business at BWI assessed; Tenant complaints prompt Md. audit of concessions firm

State auditors are examining BWI's concessions manager and the minority-owned shops and restaurants participating in a program designed to help them prosper, after mixed results, lawsuits and tenant complaints.Some minority business owners say the airport... more »

Gift-shop girl

Maureen Duffy is manager of volunteer services at Lakewood Hospital. It's a job that has her in charge of the hospital's gift shop -- and its two dozen or so volunteer workers and handful of... more »